Customer Reviews

Because of You

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is jazz at its best. NOT Kenny G, Not the frantic bop of the fifties or Miles Davis's brews. Other so-called jazz artists may be good, but this is how it started--this is REAL jazz. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band plays this American music as it sounded in the early 20th century. The group plays with a tight ensemble sound, but leaves plenty of room for very tasteful solos. Unlike other "dixieland" bands, they are not rushed... each piece is played at a relaxed tempo, which allows the listener to appreciate each and every note without feeling as if the band is dragging. The tunes on this disc are excellent as well. When I bought the disc, I was familiar with about half of the pieces, but now they're all special to me. Technically, the recording is very crisp and clear... a definite improvement over older recordings of the band. The acoustics of the studio are very nice as well, lending a "live" feel to the band without having to endure wild applause at the end of each selection. If you like jazz, buy this disc! It makes not only excellent "critical listening" material, but works amazingly well as "background" music for parties or small get-togethers. I look forward to purchasing many more recordings by the PHJB!

Usually when you buy the CD after hearing the band live - any band - you're bound to be disappointed when you listen to it later. Not so with this CD! I bought this after being completely wowed by the PHJB live in Preservation Hall itself, and though it's certainly not the same feeling as being there (no audience feedback on the CD), it's absolutely wonderful music performed by wonderful musicians. A particular favorite is "Petite Fleur," which is lilting and lovely, and which they played one of the nights I saw them. A fond memory, to say the least. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that it's a little too polished to sound completely real. I prefer their new effort, recorded in the Hall - and a 2 CD set to boot! But still - you WILL NOT be disappointed with this collection.

You can't go wrong with PHJB, and this disc is fabulous. "Petite Fleur" and Wendell Brunious' singing "(True,) You Don't Love Me," make the whole disc worthwhile. Frank Demond is exceptional on trombone throughout.

I never would have imagined that the band, minus the Humphrey brothers, could perform as well as they do on this cd. The vocals are drenched in pure New Orleans flavor and the instrumentals are nothing short of foot-thumping joy. Thank goodness the band lives on. Highly recommended for those who cherish superb traditional, New Orleans-style jazz